Planet:tech Weekly - Issue #1

Dedicated to curating tech products and startups solving the world's most pressing problems, including climate change, pollution, and sustainability.

From sharing the latest research and facts, to sharing our top reads, this weekly newsletter aims to shed more light and bring attention to startups who are trying to solve the real world problems, as well as sharing some actionable items that we can all do to help contribute to healing, cleaning and protecting planet Earth.

What’s in a drink, that consumed in any other way would taste just as good? The straw is something we can easily do without. Eliminating plastic straw usage rarely requires a drastic change in behavior. But then, why are we still using them?﻿

Most people don’t take into consideration the negative toll that simple acts like using a plastic straw have on our planet. As many as 8.3 billion plastic straws pollute the world’s beaches, and just the U.S. alone 500 million straws are used every single day, according to an estimate by Be Straw Free.

“In 2015, a disturbing video of an olive ridley sea turtle suffering from a plastic straw stuck in its nose went viral, changing many viewers’ attitudes toward the plastic tool that is largely a convenience for most people.”

The huge environmental impact that plastic straws have on marine life and the oceans has led to coalitions, a call for #StrawBan and more mindful consumption.

What is true for all is that we have to become more aware of the impact we each have in this world through our careless consumption, we need to become conscious of the consequences each decision and action we take has on our collective, our minds, our bodies, and our physical planet. Mindful consumption is a way of practicing selflessness, where we do the right thing, even when it’s difficult, by taking into consideration our influence on others and our planet.

As an individual, I refrain from the use of straws when dining out as much as I can, and if needed I only use paper straws. I am a firm believer that we have to be the change, lead by example, if we want to see some significant difference in the world, but at the same time, we must consider those who are not in the same economic position as us or even those who are not physically able to live without the aid of a plastic straw. - Andrea

What are the alternatives?

Plant-based biodegradable straws made from made from paper, bamboo, and grain. Here are some companies that are pioneering reusable/ biodegradable straws:

+ Here is a great article in Atlantic on the history of modern capitalism from the perspective of the straw. Seriously.

A TED Talk for a habit change

This TED Talk changed our habits forever. A simple twist, one paper towel per person per day. We can do that.

“Five hundred seventy-one million two hundred thirty thousand pounds of paper towels are used by Americans every year. If we could – correction, wrong figure – 13 billion used every year. If we could reduce the usage of paper towels, one paper towel per person per day, 571,230,000 pounds of paper not used. We can do that.”

How to use one paper towel | Joe Smith | TEDxConcordiaUPortland - YouTube

Cool product to try

Fascinating edible water capsules, we love this alternative to plastic packaging!

Ooho! is a sustainable packaging alternative to plastic bottles and cups, made from a seaweed extract. It is entirely biodegradable and so natural you can actually eat it!

A tweet to retweet

A great reminder of the things we can accomplish when we work together…

This is our very first issue and we are very nervous and excited 🙈. Your feedback would mean a lot to us. 💚 Let’s connect on twitter and let us know what you think or email us at: planettechnewsletter@gmail.com. 🌎